The final of 4 launches carrying 2 experiments designed and built by students with mentoring from industry professionals to further study properties of the ionosphere, radiation belts, sun, zero-G, and more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Kerbal Sounding Project has returned with a new initiative to help get the next generation of space explorers ready - student experiments will be launched on sub-orbital flights aboard the Progeny Mk6-I, using kits developed by Umbra Space Industries
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
submissions are already underway and dates for the launches will be announced in October. Depending on the response, the funding for the program can provide for up to 6 launches with 2 experiments on each. KSP's last activity was back in 2016-17: kerbalspace.agency/?p=1722
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dates are scheduled for the Kerbal Sounding Project missions! There will be 4 launches, carrying 2 experiments each - all of which will have been built by students, our next gen space explorers. Dates:
#1 - 11/5
#2 - 11/14
#3 - 12/5
#4 - 12/17
More info on the Ops Tracker
#1 - 11/5
#2 - 11/14
#3 - 12/5
#4 - 12/17
More info on the Ops Tracker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although the program was originally announced to have the budget to fly 6 missions, not enough submissions were eligible for actual deployment. Many were just plain not feasible or not possible within the constraints of the rocket. There certainly was not a lack of submissions!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while a lot of work remains in the investigation, all parties involved feel a point has been reached where we can release a statement not only on the events of this past week but the events of the past few years that led up to this brazen attack: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9965
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - a sect of violent Monolithic followers remains set against our space-bound ambitions even after being secretly banished to the other side of the planet by religious leaders, where they happened upon a large unknown population of kerbs receptive to "salvation"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR (it is a lot to take in) - our current stance is to work to determine all the details of how this attack was carried out and put in place measures to prevent future attempts. We are not backing down nor is any action yet able to be taken against those responsible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the radome has been completed on the tall hills west of KSC and will be hooked up to the Tracking Station by tomorrow, which means we can return to KSC next week! Due to security, it's tough working remotely for engineering and R&D teams w/o full file access
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Kerbal Sounding Project launches have all been rescheduled due to the construction delay from evacuating KSC. The new launch dates are
#1 - 11/13
#2 - 11/22
#3 - 12/10
#4 - 12/18
Times are available on the Ops Tracker
#1 - 11/13
#2 - 11/22
#3 - 12/10
#4 - 12/18
Times are available on the Ops Tracker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports from the Vertical Assembly Building that the Progeny integration is well on the way to being back on track to meet the updated launch schedule now that they've sidelined all Ascension work for the time being
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk6-I has completed final check outs and is being loaded up onto the carry vehicle now for roll out tomorrow. The non-reusable parts for the rockets scheduled to launch in December are already well on the way to being assembled into complete stages
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
between launch campaigns now, the Tracking Station is taking the time to perform some maintenance and calibrations on the three 7m dishes to ensure they continue to steer and point accurately for future missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis is up for last week's mission. Gives you a brief look at how adding a few kilos can really affect recovery chances - we almost didn't get this one back either! Final two should be good to go though. kerbalspace.agency/?p=10098
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 4 KSP experiments that will ride aboard the next two Progeny Mk6-I launches next month have arrived for final processing in the VAB, which is basically attaching them to the payload truss and flight computer. All other testing is done offsite as they are built
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
several things to detail this past week - overall ops are running smooth. Rocket builds are on schedule & so is launch pad repair. R&D is quiet but that's also good in its own way. Anything you feel you might have missed can be found in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10089
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've re-opened registration for public weekend tours at KSC and tickets for viewing the next Progeny launches this month are also now available. Please pay careful attention during registration of the new security protocols. Thanks to everyone for their cooperation!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another successful rocket build completed and loaded up onto the carry vehicle for rollout next week! The final rocket is in a similar stage of preparation to how the current rocket was when this photo was taken. Lead Engineer Simon reports assembly is on schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the final Progeny Mk6-I rocket of 2019 was stacked in the VAB today for checks on its load bearing elements, clearing the way for Ascension assembly to take "center stage" next year. In the back are the core stages for the Ascension Mk1 and Mk2 & the Viklun orbital stage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
heading into the weekend with a good report from Lead Engineer Simon that the rocket has passed load checks and will undergo final closeouts at the start of next week. That and more that went down this past week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10164
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shortest flight analysis ever? Well there wasn't anything that wasn't routine about the last mission but if you would like a recap we have it here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10192 - final mission coming up this week should be a solid close out to 2019 ops!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the final Progeny Mk6 Block I of 2019 has completed closeout procedures, is now loaded up and marshaled into position to squeeze past the Mobile Launch Platform tomorrow when it rolls out to the North Field launch site for readiness checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once again the convoy is heading out to the North Field to begin mounting operations, which will be directly followed by tanking operations which will set up for a wet dress rehearsal that will allow for a condensed launch timeline tomorrow - if all goes well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
for obvious security reasons we were not allowed to mention that issues were being resolved with our ground radar system the last few days. SkyWatch team reports they are now ready to support the upcoming launch, we thank them for working overtime to get things patched up!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Aldeny set sail earlier today for the recovery zone 325km to the east and has contacted us through Sheltered Rock to report ships passing them headed for Umbarg say a storm is working westwards & could affect recovery or launch tomorrow (not actual sail route)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all launch readiness reviews have been approved by Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA but an eye is still on the weather. Seas are rougher now where MSV Aldeny is & we'll get more info on the storm when the Deuce flies home tomorrow instead of keeping its original schedule to arrive back today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/18
#2🌄09:00:36 🌅11:10:57
#3🌄15:01:27 🌅17:11:48 ??🚀??
#4🌄21:02:18 🌅23:12:39
12/19
#1🌄03:03:09 🌅05:13:30
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/18
#2🌄09:00:36 🌅11:10:57
#3🌄15:01:27 🌅17:11:48 ??🚀??
#4🌄21:02:18 🌅23:12:39
12/19
#1🌄03:03:09 🌅05:13:30
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a smooth approach and landing the Deuce has taxied back to the HAB, here's a shot of it coming in from atop Launch Control. Weather data will be analyzed & we will have a conditions update when launch procedures are scheduled to begin later today @ 18:57 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] weather desk has determined storm will be of low to no threat - we will actually fly over it. We are proceeding with launch procedures, now to see if any change needs to be made to the favorable local forecast made yesterday. Expect further updates at these times
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] nothing new here if you've been paying attention to the past few launches. Progeny Mk6-I missions are pretty standard now. We like that though, easier to manage! The major flight phases don't have L+ times as the rocket is unguided but should be similar to last flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h45m] weather remains a GO with 75% favorable launch conditions, down from 90% yesterday because there is a small chance the storm will arrive sooner than expected. Rocket is now being initialized. No changes to bit.ly/AFCS_KSA other than launch time update
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] rocket remains well-behaved, no issues reported so far. Ground crew clearing back from the launch site for safety while controllers give the engines & ignition systems a thorough checkout and wrap up preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] preflight is complete which means the rocket is ready to go. Ground crews are securing the launch site while Range Safety Officer begins to take full stock of the airspace and waters around KSC via the Tracking Station to ensure no incursions are taking place
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] crew out in the grasslands just west of KSC have released a weather balloon that will float up >18km into the upper atmosphere while drifting over the launch corridor and informing us before L-5min polls of any dangerous wind shear conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] inside an hour now, Team A under command of Flight Director Lanalye begins launch rehearsal to perform one final all around check and ensure all consoles & systems are properly configured for the upcoming launch as well as all operators knowing their roles
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] weather desk reports surface winds are behaving, storm appears to be lingering out to sea. The last ground crew members are leaving the launch site & we have GO to begin final countdown procedures. Controllers switching back to the live rocket to reset from rehearsal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] range is clear, rocket is ARMED for ignition & Flight Termination System is ACTIVE. We are glad to hear reports kerbs had no problems getting through security to their launch viewing locations. Please remain within marked areas or you will be removed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all quiet inside Launch Control - a good sign. As usual the students/mentors responsible for this rocket's payload are here to watch, they'll head outside shortly. Controllers giving their systems one last good look for any issues to call out at final general polls in a few mins
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! 🚀 GO PROGENY 🚀 FTS transitioning to its own internal power source, rocket itself will come off ground power at terminal count in 3min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] Terminal launch sequence has begun as the Automated Flight Control System takes over control to manage the final steps leading up to engine ignition. Rocket is on internal power & comms, which are now being checked for drain rate & signal reception respectively
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] final health check coming up at T-30s & if all remains well you'll see the Ops Tracker switch over to live telemetry data so tune in now if you haven't already! ops.kerbalspace.agency. Manual hold still good up to T-0 tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
up, up & AWAY!! Rocket has shot off atop the flame of its lower 0.625m booster, which will accelerate it at up to 4Gs over the next 34s to push up above 13km and beyond 600m/s. It will then drop the booster & coast until the nose drops 1.5° before igniting the 2nd stage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nominal flight continues as the 3rd stage burns for space. Timeline so far is within milliseconds of the previous rocket, which is to be expected since they mass the same & we are not dealing with any weather near flight limits. Burn baby, burn! Into space!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aaaand MECO-3 just before space, rocket is now coasting up these next ~7.5min to an apokee only 2km lower than last week's at 460km, but this shouldn't translate into any huge difference in downrange travel. MSV Aldeny should already be moving to get under it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you can use this link to view where the rocket will be traveling. On page load you will see the current location but it will not automatically update after that. Trajectory is calculated and not exact but close enough for the scale shown kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/tracke…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
through apokee, now for the fall back down. Science instruments remain occupied, power levels good, data drives are filling up. Rocket's spin is keeping it upright like a top so it's now pointing radial-out & will be aimed retrograde by the time it enters the atmosphere in ~8min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everything looked good going into re-entry with the rocket stable & engine taking the brunt of the heat. Comms lost shortly afterward and rocket is now below the horizon - hopefully under chute for a gentle descent into shallow waters just off the far shore. MSV Aldeny ETA <1hr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops finishing up. Still no word from MSV Aldeny. Hopefully they are on their way back already & just can't make contact yet. Launch base is being moved back to storage in the Support Village - no more Mk6-I flights in the schedule at this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
night has caught up with MSV Aldeny on its return voyage & they were able to better bounce signal to Sheltered Rock & confirm they have an intact payload aboard ✨🎊 KERZZAH!! 🎉✨ a fabulous conclusion to 2019 operations 🥂 it will be back tomorrow to return the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket was returned to us early today so onboard telemetry data was extracted and is now available for perusal. The students & mentors responsible for the payload experiments will get their data from Lead Scientist Cheranne no later than tomorrow docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a final routine flight analysis after quick review of telemetry data from this week's mission turned up no issues. Congrats to the rocketry teams for closing out 2019 on a high note! Maybe more KSP launches at the end of 2020? It's already being discussed kerbalspace.agency/?p=10208
